unworthy

adjective

un·​wor·​thy ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē 

1

a

: lacking in excellence or value : poor, worthless

b

: base, dishonorable

2

: not meritorious : undeserving

unworthy of attention

3

: not deserved : unmerited

unworthy treatment

4

: inappropriate to one's condition or station

actions unworthy of a gentleman

unworthily

ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hə-lē 

adverb

unworthiness

ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē-nəs 

noun

Examples of unworthy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The man who took supersoldier serum but proved unworthy of Captain America's shield now operates as a hit-man of sorts and will appear in this summer's Thunderbolts*. —Eliana Dockterman, Time, 26 Mar. 2025

However, the Queens native’s spot atop the list drew a mixed reaction online, with some fans expressing their agreement while raving about Nicki’s greatness, while others deemed her unworthy of such an honor. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 8 Apr. 2025

To dole them out to the mid or altogether unworthy would mean to dilute everything that Michelin is supposed to represent, and then what are we left with? —Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2025

The plastic surgery industrial complex only serves to enforce the unrealistic beauty standard that makes the general masses feel like our bodies are unattractive or unworthy. —Nicola Dall'asen, Allure, 12 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for unworthy

• blameworthy
• newsworthy
• noteworthy
• praiseworthy
• trustworthy
• creditworthy
• untrustworthy
• worthy

Kids Definition

unworthy

adjective

un·​wor·​thy ˌən-ˈwər-t͟hē 

ˈən-

: lacking in excellence or worth : undeserving

unworthily

-t͟hə-lē 

adverb

unworthiness

-t͟hē-nəs 

noun

Legal Definition

unworthy

adjective

un·​wor·​thy

: not meritorious

specifically, in the civil law of Louisiana : being or relating to an heir who is deprived of the right to inherit from a person because of a failure in a duty towards the person

unworthiness noun